Cadence monitor?

[Catrin]

My LBS is starting a sale on HR monitors and cycling computers. I already have an HR monitor, but am considering a computer for my bike. I am assuming that a cadence monitoring function would be helpful in learning how to shift - is this correct?

Thanks!

[Crankin]

Knowing your cadence is a good idea overall; for improving your efficiency/pedal stroke/speed. So, it's not specifically about shifting, but it will make you aware of what gears you are using at certain cadences on different types of terrain.
I didn't get a computer with cadence until after I had been cycling for a couple of years. I found that once I was aware of it, my overall cadence went up about 10-15 points just by becoming aware. I was slacking a bit. I also found that sometimes my cadence goes up when I don't feel well and I start spinning like crazy because nothing feels right.
Don't try to over think the shifting. There is no "rule" for what gearing to use at specific cadences. Shifting becomes intuitive after a fairly short time; I remember being concerned about what gear I was in, but really, it's what gear feels comfortable to you, where you are not mashing (which is typical for beginners) or spinning wildly, at low speed.

[Catrin]

Knowing your cadence is a good idea overall; for improving your efficiency/pedal stroke/speed. So, it's not specifically about shifting, but it will make you aware of what gears you are using at certain cadences on different types of terrain.

This makes sense, and I was thinking that it might be good for me in general. At my last riding/practice session I was having major problems with my pedal stroke which may have had to do with spinning too fast in an incorrect gear at too low of a speed. It sounds like the cadence monitor would be a good overall training tool.

I am certainly good at over-thinking things, that is just how I am and am trying to avoid that trap. I will also check with my trainer before deciding which computer to get. There is a rather large price difference between the computers with and without cadence...so I need to decide what makes more sense for me right now.

[sarahspins]

This makes sense, and I was thinking that it might be good for me in general. At my last riding/practice session I was having major problems with my pedal stroke which may have had to do with spinning too fast in an incorrect gear at too low of a speed. It sounds like the cadence monitor would be a good overall training tool.

It could be, but for this specific thing, I doubt it would really help you much... knowing when to shift up/down is really more of a "feel" thing. You will eventually find a cadence and pedal resistance that is comfortable for you, and learn to shift to match. Just seeing what your cadence is won't really "tell" you when to shift.. Its like driving a standard car..there are always instances where you have to sort of throw the 'rules' out and just do what works. Bike gears are not that different.

I have a computer with a cadence monitor.. apart from the initial novelty I don't really pay attention to the cadence. What I use look at most on my bike computer is the HRM and the clock, and I appreciate the ability to keep track of distance, since I don't always rely on a set route and it's nice to see how far I rode without having to go back and "map" my ride.

I think something to consider is why you are are riding.. to a point some of the extra 'goodies' are just extras, and can just add complications.. if you're riding for fun you might do better to just let it be fun for a while.

[Catrin]

Thanks for your question, Saraspins. The main reason I want the cadence monitor is for training, this is for as much training as it is for fun I was just curious how useful it might be for shifting. Thankfully there are a couple of affordable computers out there with the cadence function, I just hadn't found them before my post earlier today.

[nscrbug]

The other thing you may want to consider is whether to get a "wireless" or "wired" cycle computer. This may be important to you, since you stated that you already use a HRM. Devices such as HRM's, lights, etc...are known to cause interference with many of the wireless cycle computers out on the market. If this is a concern for you, then you may want to stick with a wired version for the cadence & speed, as interference is not an issue with the wired models. Just something else to think about.